Gunn Explains “Guardians” Sequel Character Arcs

James Gunn’s first “Guardians of the Galaxy” focused predominantly on its Infinity Stone plot along with the character arc of Star-Lord (Chris Pratt). With the sequel, Gunn says he set out to give each of the cast members a key arc and motivation this time around.

Speaking with Cinema Blend, Gunn broke down what drives each of the key characters in the new film:

Star-Lord
“That’s the first thing people say when they see the movie. The first movie was about Peter Quill, and the second movie has every single character have a complete arc, a complete story. They each learn something. It’s a story about Peter Quill, with his father, but also his abusive step-father, Yondu.

Gamora
“It’s about Nebula’s relationship with her sister, Gamora, and how that’s not all that we saw in the first movie. It’s a lot deeper and more complicated than that. We thought in the first movie that Gamora was the good guy, and Nebula’s the bad guy, but that really isn’t the whole story.”

Rocket Raccoon
“I think it’s a story about this poor little Rocket, who is in search of a father and in search of a somebody to give a shit, who cannot find it – and maybe does a little bit with Michael Rooker’s character.”

Drax
“It’s about Dave Bautista and Mantis together, who become on the one hand close friends, and then on the other hand she’s a surrogate daughter for the daughter that was murdered.”

Baby Groot
“And of course Baby Groot’s relationship with all of them, they are the worst parents in the entire world! Who else brings a two-year-old son into a giant battle with a giant monster? Terrible parents! And maybe Gamora and Rocket are better than the other two. The other two are terrible. All of those things come together in a way that seems pretty magical.”

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is currently slated for release on May 5th. No further trailers are expected before release, but several TV spots should air in coming weeks.